You Are at the Mercy of Science… Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare in LA
Tomorrow I will begin my summer course on the use of Educational Technology in Science and Mathematics Teaching. Luckily today, I noticed a post on BCAPT listserve (www.bcapt.ca). The post was about the amazing Hot Wheels Double Loop Success. The scaled up model of the Loop-the-Loop challenge has been built and two very experienced drivers tried it. The entire challenge was videotaped and uploaded online. I think it is an excellent example of real life problem that one can use int he classroom. Most of us who teach physics use this problem, some even use Hot Wheels cars, but to “collect” the data from this challenge and use it, would be super interesting. For example, they tell us that the drivers experience 7g forces, that the speed must be between 48-53 mi/hr (where? On the top of the loop? At the bottom?) The height of the loop is given, so collecting all the information, the students can apply physics learned in the classroom to this “real world” situation. I find it very exciting and it wouldn’t be possible a few decades ago… Here is another way how technology can change how we teach and hopefully how our students learn science…